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Parents

There are many different reasons why young people experiment with drugs or alcohol. Experimental use does not necessarily mean that they will go on to develop problematic substance use but, for some young people, early use is a risk factor for developing more serious substance misuse issues.

These risks also increase during times of difficulty and change: such as moving schools, or parental divorce, for example. It is important to take into account that although there can be signs that your child may be using drugs or alcohol, some of these signs may be normal teenage behaviour. The challenge for the parent is to distinguish between what is normal and what may be an indicator of problematic drug or alcohol use.

These include:-

Physical signs of drug or alcohol use:

Bloodshot eyes with pupils larger, or smaller, than usual

Changes in appetite, or sleep pattern

Sudden weight loss, or gain

Change in physical appearance: such as less attention to personal hygiene, and not changing clothes

Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

Shakiness, slurred speech and clumsiness

Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness

Appearing spaced out

Lethargy

Lack of motivation

Appearing to be more fearful, anxious, or paranoid, for no apparent reason

Mood swings

Behavioural signs of drug use:

Skipping classes; deteriorating work at school; suddenly starting to get into trouble at school

Acting uncharacteristically: such as appearing withdrawn, isolated, angry or depressed

Sudden changes of friends, hangouts and hobbies; loss of interests in old hobbies; lying about interests/friends

Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact

Getting into trouble/fights/illegal activities.

When you think your child has a drug or alcohol problem:

This can be very distressing and can make parents feel angry, upset and frightened. It is important to remain calm when you talk to your child about your concerns. Make it clear that you are concerned because you care about them, as it is important that your child feels supported.

Some suggestions for parents:

Talk about rules and consequences. Your child needs to know that using drugs or alcohol will have specific consequences - but don’t make rules that you cannot enforce. Ensure that all the family are on board together, so that there is a consistent approach from everyone.

Encourage other, more acceptable, hobbies or interests, such as sports or after school clubs.

Talk to your child – often drug or alcohol use can be the result of stressful situations. Are they having problems at school or college; with their friends; or have there been any stressful situations at home, such as moving house, divorce or redundancy?

Get help – some young people rebel against their parents or school, but will often be more willing to hear information from someone else. Try contacting his or her GP; a young people’s drug service, such as Y-SMART; or a support worker in school.

When talking to the child/young person about your worries, offer help without being judgmental and don’t wait for the person to hit rock bottom. Be prepared for excuses and denials and talk about the behaviour of the person.

Make sure that you, yourself, have support and someone to talk to. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.

You can help someone who has a drug or alcohol problem by support and with encouragement, but you cannot force someone to change. You cannot control their decisions: let them be responsible for their actions, as this is an important step for them to take.

Don’t:

Attempt to punish, threaten, or bribe

Try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and increase the likelihood of the child/young person using drugs or alcohol

Cover up or make excuses for them, or shield them from the negative consequences of their behaviour

Take over their responsibilities and therefore leave them with no sense of importance or dignity

Argue with the person if you suspect that they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Take drugs with them

Feel guilty or responsible for another's behaviour.

Contact Us

Head Office:

Barbican House, 5 Barbican Close, Barnstaple EX32 9HE

Telephone:

01271-388162 or 01271-325500

Offices also in:

Exeter : 01392-385637 and Newton Abbot

A little bit about Y-SMART

Y-SMART: Youth-Substance Misuse, Advice, Recovery, Treatment.

Open for referral since September 2002, we work with young people up to the age of 18, who have issues around substance use.

If you need our help, would like some information, or advice, please contact us by phone or email and all enquiries will be strictly confidential.

No matter how big or small your questions or problems are, just get in touch – we’re here to help.